Redbridge Brass continued their rich vein of recent contesting form with a convincing victory at the Milton Keynes contest.

Bold Redbridge

Led by Alan Duguid, the band rounded off a competitive top section event by also laying down a bold marker for the Butlins Mineworkers Championship next month in Skegness, with a well crafted account of PLC's 'Breath of Souls'.

Meanwhile, principal cornet Cliff Pask made it a hat-trick of solo prizes for the year with a wonderful rendition of 'Anthem' from 'Chess' as Redbridge rounded off a highly encouraging 2015 in fine style.

A well constructed rendition of 'Isaiah 40' to go with their opening item and solo feature gave runner-up Thundersley Brass a huge boost of confidence after their recent lowly Wychavon placing, whilst Aveley & Newham continued their solid redevelopment under Rob Nunnery by taking third for the second successive year.

There was plenty of good quality music making to enjoy for judges Adam Cooke and Richard Ward, in what was a relaxed but competitive event, with no less than eight different major works used by the competitors and a high standard of playing on show from featured soloists.

Resurgent Towcester

Another band on a resurgent upswing took the B Section honours as Towcester Studio, led by Neil Bownless narrowly pipped Soham Comrades in a well fought contest, with Wantage B in third.

It proved to be a great result for the Third Section graded band just off junction 15A in Northamptonshire, as they defeated a number of higher ranked rival, thanks to a colourful rendition of Philip Harper's 'Kingdom of Dragons'.

Having come last at the event 12 months ago, the band has been rejuvenated of late, winning the Oxfordshire & District title and the Bolsover Entertainment crown in October.

Adjudicators Paul Fensom and John Ward were given a fine 'The Plantagenets' marker off the number 1 slot by eventual runner-up Soham Comrades, whilst Wantage B rounded off the contest with a vibrant 'Purcell Variations' to end third.

Excellent day

It proved to be another excellent day of 'non-competitive' competitive brass banding in an event organised by Jeremy Wise. The excellent facilities and support of sponsors allied to bands entering fully into the spirit of contest day will now hopfully see the contest become a regular feature on the calendar.

Led by Alan Duguid, the band rounded off a competitive top section event by also laying down a bold marker for the Butlins Mineworkers Championship next month in Skegness, with a well crafted account of PLC's 'Breath of Souls'4BR

Section A
Own Choice
Adjudicators: Adam Cooke & Richard Ward

1. Redbridge Brass (Alan Duguid)
2. Thundersley Brass (Nigel Taken)
3. Aveley & Newham (Rob Nunnery)
4. Horsham Borough (Andy Kershaw)
5. Becontree Brass (Nigel Taken)
6. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
7. Littleport Brass (Nigel Bramley)
8. Ipswich and Norwich Co-op (Ian Johnson)
9. City of Coventry (Stephen Cooper)

Section B
Own Choice
Adjudicators:Paul Fensom & John Ward

1. Towcester Studio (Neil Brownless)
2. Soham Comrades (Jayne Murrill)
3. Wantage B (Danny Dullforce)
4. Olney Brass (Guy Bennett)
5. Amersham Band (Paul Fisher)
6. Brighton and Hove (Matthew Hackett)
7. Regent Community Brass (Chris Bearman)
8. Bradwell Silver (Brian Keech)
9. Burbage Silver Band (Christopher Small)